Overview and job searching – Jo Chytka, Director, CACS

Resume Preparation – Ann Jones, Assistant Director, CACS

What Employers are Looking For – Leslie Goldschmidt, Recruiter, Wolseley North American

How to Present Yourself – Steve Farkas, Executive Director College of Business Johnson Career Center

Fine-tuning Your Interview Skills – Leslie Goldschmidt and Steve Farkas

Post Career Fair Follow Up – Ryan Kobbe, Student Services Coordinator, College of Engineering and Applied Science

NACE Survey of Employers

Popular Press Industries that are still hiring

Starting Salary Information

CACS Services› On-line products

eRecruiting Going Global USA Career Guides FACEBOOK

› Personal Appointments Resume Checks Mock Interviews Job Search Strategy Salary Negotiations

Events:› Career Fairs› Job Search Workshops

THE POWER OF PEOPLENETWORK, NETWORK,NETWORKDevelop a contact listWork your contactsBe ProfessionalUse your student status

Represents you as a professional Goal is to get through the initial

screening process for an interview Not up to employers to figure out what

you can do for them; you need to lead them to an understanding

Know your audience as best as possible so that words on the resume reflect their interest

Single piece of paper; second page may not be looked at

Read from top/down; left/right Document has to be easy to read Important details in prime locations Structure - plain document vs. template Format and layout; visual appearance Organized outline Not too many bullets or bolds

NAME ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP PHONE

SKILLS:

Experience using the following programs for work, and miscellaneous school and personal projects: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photo Deluxe and Adobe Illustrator.

Familiar with following applications: PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Adobe

Go Live, Hyper Studio, Quark Express, and Adobe Acrobat.

In-Lab certifications of the following bench analyses: Extractions – TCLP, Volatiles, Semi-volatiles, Radium226, Thorium230, and Alpha/Beta Spec; Digestions – Thorium228.

Quality Assurance of Data: Shipping/Receiving (UPS, Fed-X) Review, Data Review,

Accounts Paid Review, etc. COURSES TAKEN:

Casper College, Casper, WY AAS Environmental Science (Spring 2003)

Electives: Science and Math: Anthropology Biology I and II Astronomy Calc I and II Computer Information Systems Chemistry I and II

Drawing I Ecology Graphic Arts I Environmental Geology

Ideas in Ancient Literature Field Ecology Multimedia Authoring General Physics

Public Speaking Geology Spanish Linear Algebra Previous Employment: Casper, WY

Jan 2003 - Present Floor Salesman House of Stewart Warehouse

2000 – 2002

Bench Chemist EnviroTest Laboratories, LLC.

Summer 2002, 2000, 1999 Baker HomeTown Buffet, Inc.

Fall 2001

Tutor (volunteer)

A College Student

NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE ZIP PHONE Education: Casper Kelly Walsh High School, 1988 to 1991; Diploma Central Wyoming College, 1991 to 1992; Theater and Music Major Casper College, Attending Since Fall 2002; Accounting Major Experience: I am currently working as an office manager with Siebe Upholstery by Sean, Incorporated. I am part owner and take responsibility with inputting information into the computer, job estimates, accounts payable and receivable, monthly and yearly bookkeeping and tax preparation. I have been with this company for almost three years now. My employment at The Great American Deli ended in March of 2002. I was the Assistant and all of my duties were simple, such as, cooking, opening and closing responsibilities and watching over approximately 4 employees at a time. At the Village Inn in Casper, Wyoming I was an all around type of supervisor. My duties included cleaning, cooking, serving, training, prep, hosting, hiring and firing, all opening and closing duties and the supervision of 35 to 40 employees. I was also a certified skills trainer in all aspects of the restaurant. I was on the safety committee and also worked with all of the money transactions. I did deposit, end of week numbers and worked on the computer, not to mention doing schedules. I was employed from August 28, 1997 until March 1, 2000. I started working at Frosty's Lounge March 1995 until April 1997. My responsibilities included serving, cooking, bar tending, package liquor, cleaning and stocking. July 1990 to August 1990 I worked as a receptionist at AA Auto Insurance in Winter Haven, Florida. My responsibilities were to answer phones, make appointments, file, typing, make copies, and make out receipts. My experiences with this job were computer usage in word processing, spread sheets, and database primarily on Macintosh computers.

Personal Comments:

I feel that my Theatrical and Business schooling has taught me to be enthusiastic and be able to stand up in front of a crowd or just one person and feel confident about what I am doing and saying. I feel that I am well educated, trained, intelligent, and fast thinking to handle all job situations that may occur in the course of my employment. I believe that I would be a great benefit to your company and would appreciate hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your consideration.

QUALIFICATIONS

I enjoy working with people of all ages and find it rewarding to assist others in the library setting. I have previous experience in a variety of library settings and find it pleasurable working in all departments of a library. I am professional and mature in my responses to others, and enjoy the challenge of learning new techniques and methods.

EDUCATION 1991 Master of Science, Instructional Technology/Libs, University of Wyoming 1989 Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education/English, University of Wyoming

EMPLOYMENT

2001-2003 Librarian, Todd County Middle School Mission, South Dakota Librarian, grades 6-8.

1996-1999 Middle School Librarian, Wyoming Indian Schools Ethete, Wyoming

Librarian, grades 6-8.

1994-1995 School Librarian, Bennett County School District Martin, South Dakota

Maintained librarian duties for 5 school libraries. Managed weekly Library Skills classes for all elementary students. Performed Library Administrative duties such as supervision of two part-time aides.

1991-1993 School Librarian, Plainview School Sheridan Lake, Colorado

Duties for this K-12 school librarian position included: reference, library instruction, collection development, and cataloging. Teaching duties included: 2 years of library classes, K-5; 1 year 7th grade English; 1 year 12th grade library/media study skills; 1year High School Speech; 1 year High School Reading.

1988-1991 Reference Clerk, University of Wyoming Laramie, WY Fulfilled duties in the reference department including: Maintained and serviced over 200 loose-leaf reference sources, maintained and updated microfiche files, and supervised one part-time clerk.

REFERENCES France Blanchard, Superintendent of schools, Tryon NE, 69167 Home(308)587-2528 Work(308)587-2262 Fblancha@su16.org Gary Johnson, (605)642-6835 or gjohnson@sdln.net Scott Sorvel, (605)642-6039, SDLN, Spearfish, SD

NAME ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP PHONE

Email address

OBJECTIVE Seeking a position in marketing utilizing a solid academic background and excellent leadership

skills. EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Marketing option; May 2008 University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY: GPA: 3.29

Dean’s List, 1 semester

Associates of Applied Science in Business, with Honors; May 2006 Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE: GPA: 3.87

Dean’s list, 7 quarters EXPERIENCE Sept 02-Dec 02 Internship, Nebraska National Forest, Chadron, Nebraska

Developed a power point presentation for the Charles E. Bessey Nursery Converted Applix files to Microsoft files Assisted Budget and Finance department on various accounting tasks Created, updated, and filed inventory lists

May 02-Aug 02 Personal Shopper/Cashier, Blair Super Foods, Blair, Nebraska

Took grocery orders over the phone from customers Rang-up ordered items accurately Delivered groceries to customers at requested time

Mar 01-Aug 01 Aug 99-Feb 00 Assistant Accountant, ECAS Services, Omaha, Nebraska

Created and maintained an accurate filing system Used Microsoft Word, Excel, Platinum, QuickBooks, Lotus Entered sales journals, accounts payable, accounts receivable Organized financial statements Prepared commission statements Assisted other employees with various projects

Apr 00-Mar 01 Sales Clerk, Black Dog’s Liquor & Video, Blair, Nebraska

Assisted customers with purchases Trained and supervised employees Oversaw daily business operations Configured merchandise and advertising displays

Aug 98-Jul 99 Teller, Washington County Bank, Blair, Nebraska

Processed financial transactions and provided high quality customer service Trained to use banking industry software Responded to customer inquiries and resolved account problems

HONORS Scored 160 out of 200 on the ETS Major Field Test (Business), May 2003

Named Vice President of Xi Delta Chi Sorority for 2002-2003 Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, March 2000 Named in The National Dean’s List for 1999-2000

Categories you all should include › Name, address, phone, presentable

email address› Objective: begin with what you are using

the resume for (Employment, Summer Job, Internship, Admission to Grad School, etc.)

› Education

Categories that may differ depending upon who your audience is and what you are “selling to them”….put in order of importance; top/down› Related Experience, Engineering Experience, Internship,

Student Teaching, Practicum, Shadowing, etc.› Military › Computer Skills› Leadership› Languages› International Experience› Study Abroad› Volunteer› Honors› Publications› Presentations› Other Work› etc., etc.,

Within each category, provide MOST CURRENT information first

Can close with –› References Available (if there is room but

don’t leave off something important)› Interests are often not important, depends

upon the reader; can leave off if no room

ANYTHING ON A RESUME IS FAIR GAME TO BE SCREENDED ON; do not include things that have little to no relevance for the initial screening.

Don’t need company address and zip code on the resume itself; only on reference sheet if including one

Don’t need age, SSN, DOB, etc.

Don’t just list duties performed; provide info on skills gained or what you learned while getting the job/task completed.

Example: › Student Research Assistant: Assist

professor with research on plants and ecology issues.

Example (continued)› Internship/Student Research

Assistant: Studied ecological questions using microscopy, microbalance, and lipid extraction; also read and analyzed primary literature in ecology. Gained experience identifying stream macro-invertebrates to the genus level. Worked 10 hours a week while going to college full time; earned three academic internship hours for this experience.

No Mistakes: › Objective: Here are my qualifications for you to

overlook › Interests: I play the guitar and like to play with

other people› Education: College, August 1880-May 1984› Work Experience: Dealing with customers'

conflicts that arouse› Work Experience: Develop and recommend an

annual operating expense fudget› Skills: I'm a rabid typist› Work Experience: Instrumental in ruining entire

operation for a Midwest chain operation› Skills: I was proud to win the Gregg Typting Award

What can you do? Network Now!

-Attend the Career Fairs-Join Industry-related group on campus

-Be an active member, not just resume material

-Visit your Career Center -Mock interviews, resume critiques, workshops, etc.

-Talk to recruiters/companies who present-Follow up if you are interested-Ask Questions

Recruiter’s Role on Campus

- To educate and inform - To educate and inform you on the companyyou on the company- To be honest about our - To be honest about our expectations of you and expectations of you and understand your understand your expectations of the expectations of the companycompany- To work together with - To work together with you to determine if it is a you to determine if it is a GOOD FITGOOD FIT- Big jigsaw puzzle- Big jigsaw puzzle

What qualities do companies look for in a

potential candidate?– Confidence– Energy/enthusiasm– Strong work ethic– Well-rounded – Intangible qualities (leadership,

initiative, ambition)– Diverse communication skills– Record of accomplishments

Think like an employerThink like a sales person

Determine Objectives Research “Piece of Paper” vs. “Advertisement” Create an Impression Develop “Commercial” Broaden Focus Engage

If you have no idea what you want, or what your objective is, it will be very difficult for a prospective employer to tell you.The more focused and better prepared you are, the quicker you and the employer can have a meaningful discussion.

Questions: What companies do I want to work for? Do I know what employers in this industry are really looking for? How much do I know about the kind of work I want to do? How does my experience align with identified opportunities?

Research companies that will be in attendance: Determine a company’s position within their industry What types of jobs may be available?

Internships and regular employment offerings? Review current job postings to gain insight into “ideal candidates” Look for current news about the company, i.e. M&A activity, business

expansion, new products, etc.

At the Career Fair: Pay attention to banners and other marketing materials Pick up literature Listen to employer conversations…questions asked, information

provided, etc. Talk to your peers

Most important rule: Know your target audience!

In order to meet a buyer's (EMPLOYER) need for a product or service you must understand what they consider to be important.

List what positive end results the customer (EMPLOYER) will get from using the product/service (YOU).

Develop a list of selling points. From the customer's (EMPLOYER) point-of-view, answer the questions, "What's in it for me," "So what," and "Why should I buy from you?"

Turn all the features of the product/service into benefits.

Keep your target audience in mind during the entire creation process, provide a benefits-oriented objective and list your past successes!

Career fairs are interviews and you should treat them as such. We all make quick judgments about people based on the way they dress, present

themselves, their eye contact and body language. First impressions either help or hurt our chances for success.

Maximizing your chances of creating a positive, first impression:1. Professional Dress2. Personal Hygiene3. Personal Behavior

Make eye contact it is important for establishing rapport. Firm handshake – demonstrates confidence Watch your posture poor posture conveys a lack of confidence. Control your hands don't grip your portfolio, fiddle with your tie or

jewelry, or keep your hands in your pockets. SMILE! You will look better when you have a smile on your face and it

will make you appear more natural and confident.

You may only have a few minutes to market yourself…make the most of your time.

What sets you apart from the crowd?  Why should the employer hire you over the hundreds of other candidates?  What are your strengths?

Start with your “Commercial” to introduce yourself and connect your background to the company’s needs.

Be articulate and show confidence!

“Hello, I'm Steve. I'm a senior here at the University of Wyoming and I'm majoring in Marketing. I'm very interested in a marketing career. As you can see on my resume, I've just completed an internship in the Marketing Division of Proctor & Gamble and have taken courses in marketing strategy and analysis. I recently read about your company’s new marketing initiatives and am very interested to learn of marketing opportunities with your organization.”

You may miss out on possible opportunities if you pass up an employer because of preconceived ideas. › Many technical firms offer

non-technical positions, and vice-versa.

Relate to what the employer is looking for. 

If there are specific skills you don't have enough experience in, then explain why the skills you do have are even more important.

You need to engage the recruiter - not simply hold a one sided conversation. At a career fair, a conversation is your best friend, because the longer you

spend talking with the recruiter, the more likely they are to remember you. Use your conversation to convince the company they can use the skills,

attitudes and experiences you bring to the table…relate them to what the employer is looking for.

Demonstrate that you have done your research and have practical knowledge about their company or industry.

Ask good questions that are specific to what you know about the company and will help you understand opportunities that may be available.

The unspoken bottom line: “Convince me as to why we should hire you?“

As you leave each employer, learn next steps in their process and what you can do to advance your candidacy.

Be sure to take notes. Get business cards or names. Plan to write follow-up notes to your contacts.

The Interview

The Interview Do’s• Look sharp,

professional • Do your homework• Be confident• Turn up the

energy/enthusiasm• Don’t lack examples;

be able to prove your points

• Sell yourself: Know your audience and the position you are applying for!

• Ask for the opportunity

if you want it!• Ask good questions

The Interview Don'ts• Think the interviewer holds all

the cards– Two way street-Interview the

Interviewer

• Lack Examples – Prove your points!

• Talk only of money• Be late• Lack Enthusiasm – It’s

important!• Forget to send a thank you

note!– It’s a nice touch…

• Not knowing about the company

• What else???

Wyoming39

Correspondence in Your Job SearchLetters to employers are valuable & necessary additions to your marketing tools!

Basics of Job Search Correspondence

•Individualize

•Make your purpose

clear

•Edit

•Be yourself

•Record-keeping

Types of Job Search Correspondence

•Informative interview lettersResearch career fields & inquire about openings

•Cover lettersAccompany & introduce your resume

•Thank you notesConfirm your interest

•Offer acceptance/decline letters

Professional way to respond to an offer

Excellent way to research career fields & inquire about potential job leads

Purpose to get information and advice, not to get a job

Do not include a resume Research employer first Error free – no exceptions

When writing, do the following:› Introduce yourself and your purpose for

writing› Briefly describe your background and

interest in the company› Let the contact know how they can help› Set a time when you intend to follow up› Be brief and professional

Cover Letters•Should accompany every resume you send•Concise & to the point•No longer than one page•Highlight relevant aspects of your experience & skills•Research employer and position first•Error free – no exceptions•Don’t forget to sign

Should answer four questions:

1. Why are you writing?

2. Why are you interested in the company &/or job?

3. Why would the employer be interested in you?

4. What is the next step?

Cover LettersThree main sections:

1. IntroductionWho you are and why you’re writing

2. Body One or two concise paragraphsMatch your background to the needs

and interests of the employer (research is important here)

Summarize qualifications w/ specific examples

3. ClosingBrief summary, refer to enclosed

resume, & next step

Thank You Notes•Simple yet crucial ritual

•Send immediately after contact with employer•Shows you have social skills & one last chance to market yourself•Personalize each letter•Highlight information you found interesting•Error free – no exceptions

Offer Acceptance/Decline Letters•At some point it will

be necessary to accept or decline a job offer•First respond by phone, then follow up with a letter•Prevents confusion and misunderstandings

Offer Acceptance/Decline Letters

•When accepting an offer, include:-Details of the position (salary, job title, start date & location, relocation package, etc.)-Briefly state your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for the opportunity

•When declining an offer, include:-Statement of appreciation -Brief reason for declining-Statement that leaves possibility for future contact

(if appropriate)

Frequently Asked Questions

•What about e-mail correspondence?

-- Acceptable in most cases-- Can be effective or disastrous

•Research first•Do not send randomly •Your alias, subject line, & content have to be clear•Business-like writing style•Include a signature block•Name attachments logically

Frequently Asked Questions

•What about paper copies?--Paper

•8½ x 11, good quality, clean photocopies

--Print•Laser quality•Clean font (proportionally spaced & easy to read)

--Folding vs. large envelopes

•Folding is OK for limited number of pages•Flat envelopes can be a nice touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get help?•Center for Advising and Career Services•Student service providers in your college•The Writing Center•Family and friends

Monday, September 21, Pharmacy Job Fair, Hilton Gardens 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 22, Engineering Science and Technology Job Fair, 10a.m.-3p.m. Wyoming Union Ballroom

Tuesday, September 22, Meet the Firms, 7:00 p.m. Wyoming Union Family Room

Wednesday, September 23, Business, Non-profit, Government Fair, 10a.m.-3p.m. Wyoming Union Ballroom

Friday, November 6 Nursing Job Fair, TIME, Wyoming Union Ballroom 10a.m.-2:00 p.m.